Physico-chemical parameters, macronutrients and micronutrients evaluation in the soil of Trenabougou, rural commune of Siby, Mali

Abstract

The insufficiency of nutrients in the soils has been identified as one of the factors that have affected the productivity of crops. An investigation was carried out to assess the trophic level of soil in the region. Using a non-probability sampling technique, a total of 70 representative surface soil samples were collected between February and April, 2021. The sampling depth ranged from 0 to 30 cm, according to the root length of the crop. The collected soil samples were analyzed to assess the pH, EC, OM, available macronutrients, and micronutrients. The macronutrients were determined using a flame photometer, and micronutrients were determined with ICP-OES. The organic matter status was low in Trenabougou soils. The soils are moderately acidic in reaction (pH 5.84) with low soluble salt content (EC 0.27 dS/m). Some macronutrients were low or medium in fertility status. The nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium nutrient index values were below 1.25, indicating low fertility status. Nevertheless, sulphurous and calcium were found at medium fertility levels with a nutrient index of 1.87 and 2.17. The concentrations of micronutrients like iron, copper, and zinc were high in soils. Nevertheless, nickel, manganese, and boron were in the limited range suitable for plant growth.

Macronutrients for Plants Growth and Humans Health

“…The principal macronutrients are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, while minor macronutrients include calcium, magnesium, and sulfur (Abbas, F., et al 2023), these macronutrients are required in large quantities by plants to carry out essential physiological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and growth, and maintaining a balanced supply of these nutrients in the soil is essential for healthy plant growth (Karthika, K. S., et al 2018). Secondary macronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, are also essential (Keita, D. S., et al 2023). Plant physiologists, molecular biologists, and agronomists are all interested in the study of plant mineral nutrients because of their role in plant growth, development, and yield (Basu, U., & Parida, S. K. (2023).…”